At 5-4 and on a two-game losing streak, things weren’t exactly going smoothly for UCLA’s basketball team heading into Tuesday night’s game against Cal State Northridge. They’re going much worse now.
The Matadors largely controlled the game throughout. But after a Dylan Andrews jumper brought the Bruins to within one point with 6:36 left in the first half, Northridge responded with an 18-5 run to end the first half and take a 40-26 lead into halftime.
UCLA fought back through the second half, even getting to within one point but could get no closer. The Matadors upset the Bruins 76-72.
FINAL: CSUN 76, UCLA 72#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/P8pxvUAqAi
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) December 20, 2023
It was also UCLA’s first loss at their home gym, Pauley Pavilion since January 3, 2022, a streak that covered 29 games.
The Bruins were widely panned for their performance in Tuesday night’s loss. And while UCLA has reached the Sweet Sixteen in each of the last two seasons and made the Final Four the season before that, there was a serious feeling that the Bruins are at least fighting a significant uphill battle to even make the NCAA Tournament in March.
UCLA loses a buy game to CSUN. The epitome of brutality.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) December 20, 2023
Watching UCLA lose to CSUN is unreal. Pauley tough on opponents but not tonight. Mick Cronin has to go back to the drawing board.
— Howie Schwab (@howieschwab) December 20, 2023
Yeah worst UCLA team I’ve seen in a very long time.
— Ryan Alexander (@ryanramoneda) December 20, 2023
Well, #UCLA has officially hit rock-bottom. In danger of missing the tournament now.
— Bruin Source (@BruinSource) December 20, 2023
And that'll do it. UCLA is down 74-67 to CSUN and the Matadors are headed to the foul line. Brutal loss, very similar to UCLA's loss to Fullerton at home early in Mick Cronin's first year. A *ton* to figure out over the next three months.
— Bruin Report Online (@BruinReport) December 20, 2023
Cal State Northridge just beat UCLA.
Wow.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) December 20, 2023
it’s becoming a very common thing to say.. “this is a new low for UCLA”
we’ve done it again. no words.
— Liam (@Blutman27) December 20, 2023
The Bruins will next be in action on Friday, Dec. 22 with a home game against Maryland. After that, UCLA will begin its conference schedule. There is still time for the Bruins to turn things around, especially if they play well in the Pac-12. But the beginning of the season has made life difficult for the UCLA team going forward.
